About Windows 8...

Maybe not the right place, but I was too lazy to create another account on some forum for this single question. And I'm sure you smart boys & girls know answers :)

For work, I'll start making a Tablet application soon. This tablet uses Windows 8, which should be aimed specifically at touch devices. So, I'd better utilize those functions properly right?

However, I never used Win8 so far, and I have MS Visual Studio 2008. I'm pretty sure I can just make a program that runs on that tablet, but how about all those nifty modern touch, swipe, drag, pinch, twitch, snitch, snatch, crap, "gestures"?

* What are really useful new Win8 features?

* To use those, is it recommended to upgrade Visual Studio? Or is there some expansion pack for VS 2008?

For the info, this program doens't have to be a state of the art cutting edge thing. It's mainly used in a warehouse to scan articles, navigate through stocks, handle picking lists and that sort of things. Nevertheless, having a nice UI really works. 50 year old non-technical persons should feel comfortable as well with this program. And since my 4 year old daughter knows how to use/screw up these kind of devices as well, I guess the concept works hehe.

Ciao,

Rick

>> You are talking about metro

Am I? Hehe, as said I haven't touched a Win8 device yet :)

The language I'll use probably depends on what fits best with these new features. Normally I would use VB(.NET), but C++ would be fine too if needed. Or something else than Visual Studio such as Qt C++ is also an option. Just as long it:

* Works with Win8 (and its eventual new handy features)

* Can connect with a ASP.NET webservice.

This program has database features, but instead of directly connecting with a SQL Server, it connects with a Webserver (or Webservice, I always forget the right name). Normally I would do that with VB.NET which has nice tools to do this in an easy way.

Seems that I need to specify this new tablet Metro OS as a target platform for the compiler. Is there some sort of SDK I can download for VS-2008, or is it really necessary or recommended to upgrade to a modern VS2013? It's my boss wallet, nevertheless those upgrades are kinda expensive.

Thanks!

Rick

Some misinformation in this thread....

You can make win32 applications that respond to touch and that run on windows 8.

x86-based tablets can run win32 applications, only arm-based windows 8 tablets can't.

The win32 wm_gesture messages work on windows 7 and windows 8.

You can make win32 applications that respond to gesture messages using any compiler/IDE that works with the windows 7 platform sdk or later.

Ah unforeseen consequences. Sounds the boss has to open his wallet.... and not only for a VS upgrade but also for a new laptop for me hehe.

Although it might be possible to install VS on the target tablet just as well I assume (using a real keyboard and mouse of course)?

Well, thanks guys!

@mrbastard

Ah, didn't read that yet. That sounds good. Though I still may want to poke for a new version at work and tell it wouldn't work otherwise hehe